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At Salem State, living on campus means more than having a place to sleep—it means being part of a vibrant, supportive community that helps you feel connected from your very first day. Our residence halls offer more than just convenience; they’re places where friendships form, latenight study sessions happen, and memories are made.
Located in historic Salem, Massachusetts, our campus puts you at the center of everything: academics, student life, and the city’s culture. Whether you’re grabbing a meal with friends, heading to class, or catching an event on Marsh Quad, you’re always just steps away from what matters most.
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5 Reasons to Live On Campus
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Community Connection: Living on campus provides an unparalleled opportunity to build lasting connections. Engage in the vibrant student life, attend exciting events and form friendships beyond the classroom. Our residence halls aren’t just places to stay; they’re hubs of collaboration, camaraderie and support, ensuring you feel connected to the heart of campus life.
Convenience and Access: Imagine being just steps away from your classes, the library and campus resources. Living on campus eliminates commuting stress and gives you more time for academics, extracurricular activities and leisure. Salem State’s residential areas are strategically located, providing easy access to everything you need for a successful and well-balanced college experience.
Historic Seaside Salem: Immerse yourself in Salem, Massachusetts’ rich history and vibrant culture. Salem becomes an extended campus, offering an enriching backdrop to your academic journey. It’s known for its bewitching charm, maritime heritage and cultural experiences. Explore museums, attend local events and enjoy the eclectic dining scene—all within walking distance from your residence.
Personal Growth and Independence: College is a transformative time of personal growth and selfdiscovery. Living on campus provides a supportive environment where you can develop life skills, foster independence and learn to navigate the responsibilities of adulthood. Our dedicated residential staff is here to guide you through this exciting journey, ensuring you have the tools and support you need to thrive.
Safety and Security: The safety and well-being of our students are paramount at Salem State. You benefit from a secure and monitored living environment by residing on campus. Our professional staff and campus police work together to create a safe community, allowing you to focus on your studies and college experience with peace of mind. From well-lit pathways to 24/7 support, your safety is our top priority.
Vibrant Residence Halls
Where will I live?
First-year students live in Bowditch and Marsh halls. Upper-class students live in Atlantic, Forten, or Peabody halls. (Assignments are based on availability.)
Atlantic Hall
Modern living meets convenience with a prime location near campus amenities and activities!
• Vibrant living on Harrington Campus
• Modern residence housing 450 students in 77 six-person apartments
• Overlooks Marsh Quad, Salem Bike Path and salt marsh
Apartment Features
• Fully furnished apartments with two double rooms, two single rooms, two bathrooms, kitchen, and living room
• Kitchens equipped with full-size stove and refrigerator
Amenities
• Cozy lounges throughout the building
• Ground floor features a fitness room, laundry area, pool tables, TV lounge area
Campus Proximity
Live steps away from Marsh Hall, Forten Hall, Starbucks, Bertolon School of Business, Viking Shuttle stop, baseball field, and tennis courts.
Tour Atlantic Hall now!
Bowditch Hall and Peabody Hall
These twin buildings offer proximity to key campus locations, enabling an enriched university lifestyle right in the heart of campus.
• Conveniently situated on North Campus
• A blend of fully furnished double and premium single rooms
• Amenities include vending machines, pool and foosball tables, flat-screen TV, laundry room, fitness area, and kitchen
Campus Proximity
Live steps away from classroom buildings (Meier and Sullivan), the library, campus bookstore and North Campus Café—plus Dunkin’, the Viking Shuttle stop and Gassett Fitness Center.
Tour Bowditch Hall now!
Marsh Hall
Enjoy easy access to campus hot spots, creating the perfect backdrop for your university journey.
• Harrington Campus location, housing 525 students across five floors
• A blend of fully furnished double and premium single rooms
• Each floor offers multiple lounge/study areas, community spaces and gender-inclusive bathrooms
Amenities
Fitness room, flat-screen TVs, video game consoles, Bluetooth speaker bar, pool tables, vending machines, and laundry room
Campus Proximity
Live steps away from Marsh Dining Hall, Starbucks, Bertolon School of Business, Viking Shuttle stop, Atlantic Hall, Forten Hall, and Marsh Quad—neighbors Salem Bike Path and salt marsh for a scenic living experience.
Tour Marsh Hall now!
Charlotte Forten Hall
Located on Harrington Campus, Salem State’s newest and most dynamic residence hall offers suite-style comfort, vibrant community spaces, and the latest amenities for 350 residents.
Suite Features
• Each suite includes student bedrooms, entryway space and a bathroom
• Four floors with common lounge areas for studying and socializing
Amenities
• Starbucks and meeting spaces with a separate entrance
• Cozy lounges, both TV and study, throughout the building
• Large community space, vending machines and laundry area
Campus Proximity
Live steps away from Marsh Hall, Starbucks, Bertolon School of Business, Viking Shuttle stop, baseball field, and tennis courts.
Tour Forten Hall now!
Gender-Inclusive Housing
Residence life at Salem State is committed to providing an inclusive, comfortable environment for all our students. Gender-inclusive housing is an option that allows students to live together regardless of gender, based on mutual agreement.
In our traditional-style residence halls (Bowditch, Marsh and Peabody), genderinclusive bathrooms with private showers are located on each floor. In Atlantic and Forten halls, each apartment or suite includes a private bathroom.
Housing Selection Process:
For First-Year and Transfer Students
Each spring, residence life offers new students the opportunity to select their housing assignment during the annual selection process.
To participate, new students interested in living on campus must pay the $300 housing deposit (non-refundable) at navigator.salemstate.edu and complete a few additional enrollment steps. Learn more at salemstate.edu/res-info
How Much Does it Cost?
Room and Board Fees
Housing rates include:
1. $20 per semester/$40 per year Residence Hall Association Fee for all residence halls; and
2. $3 80 per semester/$760 per year technology/student fee.
Dining on Campus
We are proud to offer a dining program complete with signature brands and a wide variety of menu selections. Just feast your eyes on what we have available! Featuring a wide assortment of fresh food designed to satisfy everyone’s appetite and dietary needs, with food choices to rival your favorite restaurant.
Marsh Dining Common
Located on Harrington Campus, Marsh Dining Common is one of the university’s most vibrant and lively spaces for students to gather with friends to enjoy high-quality dining in a community setting.
This dining common offers buffet-style and made-to-order selections for breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week. Students can participate in our reusable meal box program, which allows them to take their food to go and eat elsewhere on campus, allowing flexibility for their busy schedules. Throughout the semester, Marsh Dining Common hosts a variety of cultural celebrations so students can experience the world’s flavors, including live cooking demonstrations.
Tour Marsh Dining Common now!
North Campus Café
The North Campus Café is open Monday through Friday for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It offers buffet-style service with traditional comfort foods and various international cuisines in a restaurant-style setting. Booths for groups and high-top tables for 1:1 dining are scattered throughout the dining room floor.
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Dunkin’
Enjoy your favorite coffee and refreshments from these nationally recognized brands. Dunkin’ is located on the ground floor of Meier Hall (North Campus), providing the perfect pick-me-up before you head to class.
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Starbucks
Starbucks is located on Harrington Campus, attached to Forten Hall, offering a cool and comfortable setting for completing homework, hanging out with friends, or enjoying an open-mic night or comedy show on our very own Starbucks stage.
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All-Access Meal Plans
Students residing in Bowditch, Forten, Marsh or Peabody Hall are automatically enrolled in the All-Access 7-Day Silver Plan, with access to Marsh Dining Common and North Campus Café. The All Access Plan 7-Day Silver Plan is the minimum required plan for students living in Bowditch, Forten, Marsh or Peabody Hall.
Students may upgrade to the All-Access 7-Day Gold or Platinum Plan, which include additional ClipperCash, Dining Dollars and guest passes. Upgrading to a premium plan appeals to students (or parents) looking for added value and convenience.
All-Access 7-Day Silver Plan
Features unlimited meal swipe access, three guest meal passes, $100 Dining Dollars, and $50 in ClipperCash.
Price: $4,998/year
All-Access 7-Day Gold Plan
Features unlimited meal swipe access, six guest meal passes, $210 Dining Dollars, and $100 in ClipperCash.
Price: $5,256/year
All-Access 7-Day Platinum Plan
Features unlimited meal swipe access, eight guest meal passes, $330 Dining Dollars, and $150 in ClipperCash.
Price: $5,574/year
Block Plans
Block Plan 1 is the minimum required plan for students residing in Atlantic Hall. It features 45 meal swipes, $130 Dining Dollars and $25 in ClipperCash.
Price: $1,000/year
Block Plan 2 features 90 meal swipes, $310 Dining Dollars and $50 in ClipperCash.
Price: $2,072/year